DEPRESSION: PREVENTION, PREPARATION AND PROVISION

Have you been feeling your spirit was sad?’ that is a strong but subtle symptom of depression.

Depression has no regards for age, gender, sex, social, and economic status, it is the cancer of the spirit that wrecks destinies to zero point. Depression cut life short and it derives pleasure in it. Depression is a demon from the pits of hell sent to hunt down glorious destinies from fulfilling God’s purpose for their lives.

Some people with depression may try to hide the signs from others, or they may not even realize that they have depression. Although the typical symptoms of depression, such as sadness or hopelessness, can be easy to recognize, there are symptoms that may be less obvious.

Depression ranks among the most challenging public health problems worldwide. As the most prevalent mental disorder, it not only causes recurring and difficult conditions for sufferers, but also has costs the U.S. economy tens of billions of dollars each year and has been identified by the World Health Organization as the number one cause of global burden among industrialized nations.

Depression disrupts social and emotional development, which can lead to a host of negative outcomes, including interpersonal problems, reduced productivity, poor physical health, and substance abuse. Moreover, people who get depressed during adolescence are more likely to get repeatedly depressed throughout their life span. That’s why mapping the emotional dynamics associated with depression is key to finding effective treatments.

What then is Depression?

The word depression is coined from two words, DEEP and PRESS, when a man is deeply pressed it means he has no space to breathe nor exercise an alternative thought , he is confined in a solitary state which sets agenda for what he must do at that point in time. Decisions made at this point are usually negative and precarious.

 Depression is a "whole-body" illness, involving your body, mood, and thoughts. It affects the way you eat and sleep, the way you feel about yourself, and the way you think about things.

The symptoms of major depression include:

1.     Persistent feelings of extreme sadness, anger, or irritability

2.     Feelings of hopelessness or helplessness

3.     Feelings of worthlessness

4.     Loss of interest in once pleasurable activities

5.     Changes in appetite

6.     Changes in sleep, such as sleeping too much or too little

7.     Fatigue, or general lack of energy

8.     Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or remembering things

9.     Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide

Causes of Depression

a)     Chemical imbalances in the brain

b)     Run in families

c)     Low self-esteem

d)    Environmental factors

e)     Individual factors

How o Prevent, Prepare and Provide for Depression.

ü Set realistic goals in light of the depression and assume a reasonable amount of responsibility.

ü Break large tasks into small ones, set some priorities, and do what you can as you can.

ü Try to be with other people and to confide in someone; it is usually better than being alone and secretive.

ü Participate in activities that may make you feel better.

ü Mild exercise, going to a movie, a ballgame, or participating in religious, social, or other activities may help.

ü Expect your mood to improve gradually, not immediately. Feeling better takes time.

ü It is advisable to postpone important decisions until the depression has lifted. Before deciding to make a significant transition—change jobs, get married etc, discuss it with others who know you well and have a more objective view of your situation.

ü People rarely "snap out of" a depression. But they can feel a little better day-by-day.

ü Remember, positive thinking will replace the negative thinking that is part of the depression and will disappear as your depression responds to treatment.

ü Let your family and friends help you.

However, what is God’s mind concerning the depressed? He stated this in this scripture:

"Fear not, nor be dismayed: for the Lord God will be with you; He will not fail you, nor forsake you!" 1 Chronicles 28:20

The solution to depression is with God, even king David was depressed to the point that his men wanted to stone him, but he encourage himself in the Lord. To encourage yourself in the Lord means to meditate on His unfailing word.

David strengthened himself in the Lord his God. 1 Samuel 30:6

Positive confession

Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me."  

God your only source

Psalm 73:26  "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart forever."

See God’s presence at your aid always

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the sea." Psalm 46:1-2

Unwavering Peace

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." John 14:27 

Bold approach to life

"For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love and of a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7